High-speed car project with driver George Eyston, including potential modifications, comparisons to other cars, and publicity strategy.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0017 | |
| Date | 29th November 1938 | |
| -5- We have discussed the project with George Eyston who says it can be done with a car that will lap @ 108 M.P.H. The Le Mans Bentley lapped Brooklands @ 108.98 M.P.H. With any reasonable attempt at streamlining it ought to be possible to raise this figure 5 M.P.H. As a matter of fact it could probably be accomplished by the Paulin car with the Le Mans engine and petrol tank. The run would be carried out on No.1 Ethyl fuel as sold to the public. Obviously Eyston is the most experienced driver and has done this type of run so often on Montlhery that if he took it over it would cause us the least anxiety. On the other hand, one does not naturally associate his name with standard cars. It is exceedingly doubtful if E.R. Hall would relish handing his car over to Eyston. There are various alternative solutions, one of which is to bring Eyston's own car up to a replica of Hall's. The drawings and a model being available, this work could be carried out by the Repair Dept. The necessary special engine pieces that are difficult to make, such as the cylinder head, are in the Expt. Dept. Eyston points out that the sooner any such attempt is made the better, as in February the track is frequently covered with ice. We attach extracts from the press relating to the now almost legendary 8-litre Bentley belonging to Lycett. We do not see why we should not get a similar write up on the car that runs at Montlhery at a later date, showing that stamina and performance can be combined. It might even be possible to beat the 8-litre figures for performance with Hall's car if the body was light enough. SUMMARY. We have not mentioned production. Obviously the re-organisation and re-equipment that has taken place might be featured in the press. We suggest that any contemplated publicity might, with advantage, be put over between now and June. After this B.V. should do what is necessary for a time. Unfortunately, until this car is announced, Lagondas have an overwhelming advantage on specification in the Sports' Car class. Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).